傑森’s One Photo A Day

Tag: Taiwan

  • Edited Memories about My Father

    Edited Memories about My Father

    August 8th in Taiwan is Father’s Day. Random fleeting thoughts about my father naturally crossed my mind. I don’t usually think about my father. It’s not that he wasn’t a good father. He was oftentimes not at home due to his profession. Growing up, I realized that I never really had a father figure to talk to. But the memories I do have of him, most of them are positive and happy ones. I do miss him sometimes, even though there’s not too many specific moments I could recall..

    I brought some of his belongings back to the U.S. with me the past few years. Sometimes when I look at these items, my heart fills up with gratitude. 爸，父親節快樂，may you rest in eternal peace..

  • Bisti Badlands

    Bisti Badlands

    One of our favorite destinations in our own state is Bisti Badlands (De-Na-Zin Wilderness). We made an impromptu trip today and it occurred to me this time that we kept visiting the same area each time we were there.

    “We really should explore other sites next time. Maybe even staying two nights in Farmington instead of just one.” I excitedly suggested.

    My companion was quiet for a moment, barely responded.

    At that moment I realized that I had neglected his age and condition. Honestly he was doing so well this afternoon that I almost forgot about the limitation comes with age. His recent physical therapy has been really helpful and his posture has improved. But the back pain and his legs continue to bother him, even though not as much as before he started his physical therapy.

    I want to return to Bisti Badlands someday, I promise myself. More importantly I really want my companion to be the one to come back here with me, to witness this indescribable, magical, otherworldly formations for as many times as our fates would allow.

  • Blurry Future

    Blurry Future

    This image was captured at 5:07 in the morning on my departure day. I wanted to document the empty streets seen from our bedroom window. This was the first image captured due to camera’s inability to auto-focus.

    Out of focus, or blurry vision. Just like my Mom’s uncertain future.. I have no solution. None of my siblings have any constructive ideas, either. Everyone seems to hide behind the excuse of having their own life. That’s the reality. That’s the way it is..

    Empty Streets at 5:07 in the Morning.

  • Pocket Omelette with Cheese

    Pocket Omelette with Cheese

    This morning I took Mom to the Luisa Coffee just about two blocks away from where we live for breakfast. This would be the last breakfast I could share with her for I have to leave and catch an early HSR train before the sun even rises tomorrow.

    I ordered the Pocket Omelette with Cheese for both of us because it’s her favorite. Or at least that’s what I think since she hasn’t been able to order anything for herself for quite a long time..

    And I finally told her today that I would be leaving home soon. It took her by surprise because in her mind I just came back.

    「媽，我已經回來將近一個月了⋯」

    「蛤？這麼久了喔？」

    I’ve been back at home since more than a month, but she thought I just arrived recently. Such is her memory.. or lack of…

  • Limited Sky

    Limited Sky

    I’ve looked at the same limited sky from our apartment building’s atrium countless times. Today on my way out to do some shopping, I looked up, a sudden rush of sadness came to me. I realized it’s probably because I’ll be leaving here, leaving my Mother in a few days. I can’t bear the thought of her sitting idle all day long, wasting her life away. But there seems to be no other alternatives.

    Just like the view of the sky from the atrium, limited is the solutions, the possibility, the future..

  • Tiny Library

    Tiny Library

    This afternoon was sunny. I took my Mom out in the wheelchair to a near by park. I’ve seen this tiny library before, but it was weathered by the climate and empty. Today I noticed that from far it somehow looks different. Yes, it has been fixed up and now there’re books inside.

  • Basic Necessities

    Basic Necessities

    I took a brief stroll around the neighborhood before heading to one of the local convenient stores. These stools were in front of a popular dumpling place, which usually were occupied by patrons. Many stores were still closed today for the Lunar New Year, hence the space was deserted.

  • New Vibrant Hometown

    New Vibrant Hometown

    On my way to the Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner, not far from the old, original Kaohsiung Station, I found that there’s an area full of Indonesian and Vietnamese restaurants. These places were packed with people with different shades of complexion. The signs were in a language I didn’t understand. For a moment it was as if I’ve been brought back to Jakarta or Hanoi. A bit stunned at first, I’d admit. Then I felt proud how much this city that I used to know has changed and is embracing and welcoming diversity.

  • Late Night at Kaohsiung Station

    Late Night at Kaohsiung Station

    After a long day of cleaning and preparing, I said goodbye to my Mom and checked into a hotel. My eldest sister and her son live in Taipei. They need a place to stay when they visit Mom during the Lunar New Year, so I volunteered and offered my room.

    It was almost 10 o’clock when I reached Kaohsiung Station. I captured this moment before I moved on and headed to the hotel. The station wasn’t busy. I was aware that lots of the people passing by were not locals. They were foreign workers from various countries. I thought to myself how much this city has changed..

  • Accidental Best Friends

    Accidental Best Friends

    Just something that caught my attention today. They were placed on the side of a garbage pickup truck. Which makes me wonder if they were rescued by the sanitation workers. What would the original owner feel if they met again?